Coagulation Labs

What are the general steps of hemostasis?

vascular spasms or vasoconstriction

formation of platelet plug

coagulation cascade

What occurs in vasoconstriction of hemostasis?

vasoconstriction immediately following vascular injury to help stem blood flow

What occurs in platelet plug formation of hemostasis (primary hemostasis)?

platelets activated at site of endothelial injury

platelets become sticky and adhere to each other

aggregation triggers the coagulation cascade

What is von willebrand factor?

important factor of primary hemostasis (platelet plug) that facilitates platelet adhesion

What occurs in the coagulation cascade of hemostasis (secondary hemostasis)?

series of enzyme reactions involve clotting factors

ends with formation of fibrin linked clot that strengthens platelet plug